D'good Cafe

Key says

Pat went with her friends once and decide to bring me to eat when she met me one night after our work (finish late as usual). What I really like about the place is the decor. In terms of food, it's not really fantastic. Another plus point is the thoughtfulness of the staff. As seen in the photo, the coffee art is written with "Get Well!" and that is because Pat happens to be sick, i.e. coughing when she is making the order and so the barista had wrote this on her coffee.

Pat says

Tried D'good cafe before and didn't managed to try the egg benedict! so decided to bring Key here and hopefully i can finally try it. luckily it wasn't out of stock yet. hehe

The mocha was nicesh with cute cute picture on it! the bartender was super thoughtful knowing that i was not feeling well and all and did this "get well" thing. the egg benedict was not bad too! though i tasted better ones but this is decent. i think of the pasta that i have tasted over there, the prawn agile olio was e better one.. hehehe..

its actually quite hard to find a cafe that has nice interior and nice food too! so this is not bad actually. luv the ambience lots. =)

Website: http://dgoodcafe.com 
Address: 273 Holland Ave #02-01/02 Singapore 278992
Opening Hours:
Sun to Thur: 10am -10pm
Fri and Sat: 10am - 11pm

May Activity - Movie Set

Key says

This activity was done overseas at New Zealand with friends! Well we sort of "force" this to be consider as our monthly activity when we were making plans to travel to New Zealand. Our New Zealand trip is in the month of May and in view that there might not be sufficient time for us to do other activities. Most people who went to New Zealand highly recommend visiting the Hobbiton and so this is part of the itinerary for our trip. The Hobbiton movie set is quite a sight and out tour guide provides some interesting information on the set and the movie.

Pat says

In Singapore, the common couple outing appears to be watching movies. For this May activity, we were privileged to be able to fly to New Zealand for a holiday and we went to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set!!! To be honest, I'm not a Hobbiton fan, neither have I read the books nor see the movies. Maybe, the only thing I saw was the movie advertisements. So I was not expecting much about it.

However when I got there, I was really impress at the details that went into the whole movie set. You HAVE to see it with your eyes to actually believe that it exist! It looks was very well thought through and every small details seems to be there. As the tour guide mentioned, although she never knew much about Hobbiton but she became Hobbiton's fan girl within minutes.

It was just simple amazing and no words can actually describe how I felt. The impact was so huge that we brought a book from a bookstore on the Lord of the Rings and during our flight back, I caught "Hobbit - Desolution of Smaug". =p

P.s: New Zealand was amazing. Love the scenic view of our little road trip.

 

April Activity - Art at Arteastiq

Key says

It's been close to 20 years since I "painted" - the last was in secondary 2 art class so I was quite looking forward (and afraid actually) to this April activity. Afraid, as I'm not too sure how will my painting eventually turn out to be and at the same time, looking forward to try to paint.

We were pretty lucky for that day because the studio happened to run out of the standard canvas that comes with the package and so we were given a bigger canvas to draw! The place have quite a lot of pictures for you to choose from to paint and after we have selected our picture, we began to draw - sketching the picture using pencil and paint it thereafter. It was rather difficult to obtain certain tone or shade even though I'm aware what combination produce a certain colour or tone. After about 2 - 4 hours (can't remember exactly), my work is completed. Seriously speaking, I was rather tired/impatient halfway into the painting and so I think it is unlikely I will pick up painting as a hobby ever.

Pat says

I was very excited about this April's monthly activity. Have been hearing a lot about Arteastiq and thought it was something interesting to try. Basically, we do not have to prepare anything and just go there to paint. The package includes a canvas, paints, paint brushes and a drink. You can either bring a picture of something you want to paint or if you are like us, we just went there "empty handed" and they had files of pictures for us to chose from. There were a huge variety of pictures which was good and I finally decided on some artistic picture which appears quite high level. But hey, since I spent quite a lot of money on it, I might as well try to do something more "exciting".

We started sketching the picture before painting it. After spending half an hour on sketching barely half of the picture, I decided to sketch faster instead since I only had 4 hours to complete the piece. After awhile, I became a bit tired of sketching, so I tried to paint some parts first. It was only then that I found out that I should not have spent too much time sketching as once I painted a colour over, I could barely see the sketches.. Sighs.. Anyway, I did try my best to preserve what I had initially sketch so at least I could get the proportions right. In the middle of it all, the free drink arrived. We order their famous lychee tea. One sip of it and I was totally in love. This drink helps me keep my mind in sane as I tried my best to complete the art work. After 4 hours later, we were done!! The staff was quite surprise as she said another couple took 4 hours and have not finish their sketching!! seriously.. >.< Oh wells, we did not know that we could have further extensions or come back to finish at a cheaper rate. But it was good that we are done too.

The experience was one of the kind. Without Arteastiq, I would never in my life thought that I would paint an art work. Manly because I don't think I'm that into art to invest in paints and would most probably just do one piece and not continue anymore. Hence, wasting my money on the paints. So Arteastiq was a good avenue for couple outings. Looking at my painting, I would say I'm proud of myself. The mixing of colours was a bit difficult as they had manly the primarily colours but not the full spectrum of colours so I had to mixed colours and blend them to try to be as close as the picture that I had chosen. Furthermore, I realised that due to the paints or my brush technique, I was unable to get the vibrant colours that I see from the picture. Nevertheless, I think I had did a great job as a beginner. =D

NOX - dine in the dark

Key says

Have always wanted to try the dine in the dark concept and eventually managed to make a booking for our anniversary celebration! I thought that since we'll be dining in the dark, there is no need to dress to nicely for the dinner but never did I expect to see most of the guests dressed very nicely!

Before bring you to the dining area, there will be a staff to take your order for cocktail and brings you your amuse bouche. After you had your amuse bouche and a few sip of your drink, the staff will began to brief you about how to dine in the dark. There are lockers for you to keep your bags and handphone as the restaurant wants to ensure that not light emitting devices are brought into the dining area. You will be introduced to your waiter who will lead you up to the dining area (total darkness). 

At the top (i.e. the dining area), the waiter will once again remind you as to how to consume your meals and then your dinner begins! It actually takes quite some time to get use to the total darkness before I feel comfortable opening my eyes in the dark. Initially the brain get somewhat confused and it's pretty tiring to stare into total darkness but once you get used to it, it will be fine.

The waiter is very friendly and it's very heart-warming as we heard about his personal story of how he met his wife and how he got the job. The food is very good (perhaps due to the lack of sight, the heighten taste and smell allows us to appreciate the food more) and in fact I learnt a few things on certain food too! The menu changes every 2 to 3 months so it will always be a different taste. This is one place I would definitely recommend my friends to go simply because (i) the cocktail and food is good, (ii) serving staff is friendly and (iii) whole new dining experience.

Pat says

It's proposal anniversary food outing! We don't share with each other the places we are bringing each other to usually but will inform on the dress code. This time, Key mentioned that I could dress casually so I was quite curious where he was going to bring me to eat. Once we reached the place, I was very intrigued with the idea of dining in the dark. It was an experience I have never tried before and can never expect how it will turn out.

Okay.. when we went in, I was abit paiseh already cause everyone was dressed so nicely. hahaha... but luckily they never rejected us. We waited quite awhile but in the meantime, we had abit of appetizer and ordered cocktail to drink. Once our table was ready, they called us to step into a super dark place! My eyes was so confused! Close my eyes and it was dark. Open my eyes then also dark. To be honest, it was quite uncomfortable at first but I slowly got used to the darkness. We were introduced to our waiter who was uber friendly and cheerful in his voice. He guided us up a flight of stairs and to our table. During the whole time, I was extremely worried that I would fall down or hurt myself. However the waiter was very experienced! He helped us by mentioning roughly how many steps to take and in which direction. I was very glad when I reached my table in one piece. hehehe..

So there is a standard menu which you would not know the details at first to have an element of surprise. However you can inform them on your dietary preference/restrictions. I don't have any but Key does not eat quite a few stuffs, i.e. beef, innards and slimy food including oysters. There are 12 small dishes that spans over 3 course so you can actually try a lot of food. The waiter will bring the plate to your table and inform you how to start and end that course. e.g. start with the top dish and go clockwise/anti clockwise. He also mentioned to us which utensils we should use as well.

Eating in the dark helps me to concentrate more on the taste and texture of the food instead of the presentation. As we were unable to see each other and the food, we discussed about what each dish tasted like and what we thought it actually was. It was an enjoyable experience compared to the usual scene of couples looking at their phone during meals instead of engaging with each other. We could also hear groups of people chatting and discussing about the food as well! Super love the atmosphere of the place!

After the whole meal, we were brought downstairs and a lady would come and discuss with us on the dishes and what it actually was. It would be good to remember what your guesses were for the different dishes as there was a short quiz on what our guesses were after the meal. I shall not revealed the food details so that you will be kept in suspense.. But I would definitely recommend this place for outings or dates! The chefs were very good in creating amazing dishes and tricking your taste buds!

Website: http://noxdineinthedark.com/
Address: 269 Beach Road, Singapore 199546

March Activity - Majong

Key says

This is one activity that involves our friend as at least 3 person is needed to play majong. Luckily, our friend is willing to host and join us in our monthly activity. Unfortunately we are unable to find a 4th person so we were playing 3 person majong instead.

As it is supposed to be just a leisure game, no gambling of money was involved but we still play with chips so as to determine who is the winner. Luck is definitely on my side as just the second round, I managed to win the round with "Da San Yuan"! At the end of the day, my friend lost all his chips and Pat only left with a little! 

After the majong session, we went to Lola cafe for our dinner and bid farewell thereafter. However, we will be having our monthly activity with the same friend again in May!

Pat says

It's been awhile since I have played mahjong and I was quite thrilled when it's was our March Activity. Coincidentally it was also the first time that we have played against each other in mahjong, so it was quite interesting to see how it turns out. Sadly, me and our friend was trashed totally after playing the 4 winds. As we only had 3 people involved, it was considered as a fast game. Nevertheless, it was quite fun to play mahjong. Maybe next time Key wouldn't be so lucky. =p

Lola's Cafe

Key says

The first time we went to Lola's Cafe, the waiting list is too long and we did not managed to try it. The friend who played majong with us for our March Monthly activity happened to stay nearby Lola's Cafe so we went there for dinner after our majong and luckily we do not need to wait for seats.

The food is not too bad and I like the braised pork goulash, though it is a bit thick and strong in flavour and should go well if there is a bowl of rice. The nutella tart is good but abit sinful and thick too. All in all a nice place worth visiting but not worth waiting for too long.

 

 

Nutella tart ($7)

Strawberry Banana ($6)

Slow-braised pork goulash ($13)

Bailey Affogato ($6)

Truffle fries ($12)

Crabmeat pasta ($15)

Duck leg with Mash ($16)

Website: http://lolascafe.com.sg/
Address: 3 Simon Rd, Singapore 545892
Opening Hours: 10am to 12am

 

PAUL

Key says

We did not managed to try Paul when we were in Paris, though it was on our travel list. Since there is Paul at Takashimaya and it so happened that we were at Orchard in the morning, we decided to have our breakfast there. Overall the food is not too bad but nothing amazing as well (in my opinion). Nevertheless, I am happy that Pat is so happy to be able to try it out, and the photo of her satisfy face was the first post of my 100happydays.

Pat says

Yeah!! Luckily Paul had open stores in Singapore, as we did not managed to try it in Paris. The hot chocolate was super thick and dark. But too thick for my liking. I felt that I could have a sore throat because of the drink. The omelette would be my choice compared to the breakfast set. Cheese and eggs always mixed well together. Sadly, nothing much to rave about. Perhaps I had stuff that I had ordered wasn't the correct choice.

Website: http://www.paul-singapore.com

Address: 391A Orchard Road, #03-16/16A/17 Ngee Ann City

Opening Hours:

Mon - Thurs & Sun: 9am to 9.30pm

Fri - Sat: 9am to 10.30pm